Tamim Iqbal announces shock retirement ahead of ICC World Cup 2023
He was supposed to lead the Tigers in the mega event
Bangladesh ODI skipper and star batter Tamim Iqbal announced his shock retirement from international cricket on Thursday,
The development comes three months before the ICC World Cup 2023 begins in India.
The 34-year-old was in tears after bringing the curtain down on his 16-year international career in a press conference.
"This is the end for me," Tamim, who made his international debut in a 2007 ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare, told reporters.
"I have given my best. I have tried my best. I am retiring from international cricket from this moment.
"I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey. They kept faith in me.
"I also want to thank the fans. Your love and faith in me inspired me to give my very best for Bangladesh. I want to ask for your prayers for the next chapter of my life. Please keep me in your prayers."
Bangladesh, who will start their Cricket World Cup campaign on October 7 against Afghanistan in Dharamsala, are yet to reveal who will lead the side after Tamim's exit. However, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who captains the T20 side, is one of the leading contenders for role.
Left-handed opener Tamim amassed 15,000-plus runs in international cricket, including 25 centuries.
His accumulated 8,313 runs in ODI cricket, which is the highest by a Bangladesh batter and his 14 tons in this format is also higher than any of his compatriots.
Tamim led the side in the one-off Test against Afghanistan last month with a stiff back and scored 13 in Wednesday's ODI against Afghanistan in Chattogram, in what turned out to be his last international outing.
